After that a long time passed while the boat was propelled steadily
onward with the pole, sometimes gliding under trees that hung so close
to the water that they were obliged to get flat down inside the scow to
avoid them; and they wound around many curves and twists, until at last
they stopped, and Handsome removed the bandage from Nick's eyes.

They were beside a high bank, and directly ahead of them, through the
trees, the detective could see the lights of many gleaming fires; and he
could also discern the shadowy forms of men grouped around them, engaged
in different occupations.

"Now, keep your mouth shut, and your eyes and your ears open," was
Handsome's warning, as he led the way from the scow, and signed for Nick
to follow him. "If anybody speaks to you, don't answer; and when you get
in the presence of the chief, answer questions, and don't ask any."

"Right you are, pardy," was Nick's reply; and then he followed his
conductor through the trees toward the fire.

They came out presently upon an open glade in which a dozen camp fires
were burning. At some of these men were engaged in eating; others were
preparing to eat; and still others had finished their meal, and were
lying around in various attitudes, smoking. Some were playing cards by
the light of the fires. Nick judged, in the rapid estimate he made, that
there were in all at least twoscore of men gathered there.

He saw, too, that around this circular glade there were sheds built, and
some of these had lights behind the brush or canvas fronts. Two of them
had board fronts, and he judged that they were used when the weather was
too inclement, or too cold, to remain in the open.

As they passed through the circle of light cast by the fires, many of
the men looked up lazily toward them; but beyond one stare, no attention
was paid to them; and they passed on into the gloom beyond.

Here they traversed a narrow but well-beaten pathway through the thick
growth of alders, and presently came out upon a second glade that was
larger than the first; and higher and dryer, too.

But that was not what attracted the detective.

In the very centre of this patch of clearing was a house; or a cottage,
it would more properly be called; but it was large, and apparently
comfortable. The roof extended down in front of it and over a wide
piazza, where Nick could see that two men and a woman were seated.

But directly in front of the piazza, a man--one of the hoboes,